Switzerland

Switzerland has one of Europe’s highest Internet and broadband penetration rates. In 2010, over three quarters of households had Internet access (77%). Broadband connections are widespread in Switzerland and mobile Internet access via mobile phones is gaining ground. Furthermore, since 2008 Switzerland has imposed a universal service obligation of 600kpbs, upgraded in 2012 to 1000kpbs and is considered as a part of social welfare. For business take-up and use of broadband the latest figures show that at least 98% of all businesses with more than 10 employees use broadband. Although Switzerland is not an EU Member State, it was included in the study as an EFTA member that has similar agreements with the EU to EEA countries.